preposition
1
BAD : The new tunnel means that we can drive until London.
GOOD : The new tunnel means that we can drive (all the way) to London.
BAD : The magazine covers everything from politics until what's happening in Hollywood.
GOOD : The magazine covers everything from politics to what's happening in Hollywood.
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Until and till are usually used in connection with time: 'The shops are open until six o'clock on weekdays.'
When you are talking about distance, area, or scope, use to or as far as : 'Do you know which bus goes to Marble Arch?' 'I got a lift as far as Sheffield and then I took a train.' 'You can get anything from a sandwich to a three-course meal.'
2
BAD : Until now we have received over sixty applications.
GOOD : So far we have received over sixty applications.
BAD : I've only been here for two months until now.
GOOD : I've only been here for two months so far.
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When you are talking about a situation that is (probably) going to continue into the future, use so far or (in formal styles) to date : 'So far this week it's hardly stopped raining.' 'To date there have been ten attempts on the President's life.'
3
BAD : Her husband is alive until now.
GOOD : Her husband is still alive.
DUBIOUS : Until now their customs and beliefs remain unchanged.
GOOD : To this day their customs and beliefs remain unchanged.
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When you want to say that something is the same now as it was in the past, use still : 'I've read the first chapter three times and I still don't understand it.' 'Despite her doctor's advice, she still eats anything she likes.'
To give emphasis to this meaning, especially at the beginning of a sentence, use to this day ... (still) : 'To this day I still don't understand why they got divorced.'
4
BAD : The school caters for children until the age of eleven.
GOOD : The school caters for children up to the age of eleven.
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up to a particular age (NOT until ): 'The competition is open to all children up to the age of eleven.'
5
BAD : I will have finished this book until tomorrow.
GOOD : I will have finished this book by tomorrow.
BAD : Could you let us know your decision until the end of October.
GOOD : Could you let us know your decision by the end of October.
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Until is used for an action or state continuing up to a certain time: 'The shops are open until five thirty.' 'I'll wait here until you get back.'
By is used for an action which happens before or no later than a certain time: 'I have to submit my dissertation by the end of next year.'
6
BAD : The letter hasn't arrived until now.
GOOD : The letter hasn't arrived yet.
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When you mean that up to the moment of speaking something has not happened, use yet : 'Her plane hasn't landed yet.'
7
BAD : I'll wait here until you will return.
GOOD : I'll wait here until you return.
8
BAD : It's the best hotel that I've stayed at until now.
GOOD : It's the best hotel that I've ever stayed at.
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When you mean 'at any time (in the past) up to the moment of speaking', use ever : 'This is the worst earthquake that the country has ever experienced.'